Bowie wins 2 Brit Awards, tributes to George Michael

London: David Bowie posthumously won two Brit awards on Wednesday in an emotional London ceremony which also saw tributes paid to the late George Michael.

Superstar Bowie won both the categories he was nominated for, picking up awards for British male solo artist and best album for Blackstar at the ceremony in London’s O2 Arena.

Becoming the first artist to win posthumously at the Brit Awards, he beat Mercury Prize winner Skepta and Michael Kiwanuka to the two awards among other nominees.

Accepting the best album award on behalf of his late father, film director Duncan Jones dedicated it to “all the kooks” and spoke of Bowie’s support of unusual people.

Scottish artist Emeli Sande, who also performed at the arena, was named British female solo artist.

The ceremony was tinged with sadness as stars paid tribute to Wham! singer Michael, who died on Christmas Day last year aged 53.

His former bandmate Andrew Ridgeley gave a moving tribute, alongside pop duo Pepsi & Shirlie, which was followed by a performance of Michael’s A Different Corner by Coldplay frontman Chris Martin.

Leonard Cohen, who died in November aged 82, and Prince whose death at 57 last year shocked the music world, both featured in a video of people in the industry who died during 2016. —AFP